John Browne Rix

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John Browne Rix was born in 1886, the second son of John and Fanny who lived at Manor Farm on Saxlingham Lane. After leaving school he trained as a carpenter, serving his apprenticeship in Aylsham but then in 1905 he emigrated to Canada aboard SS Canada from Liverpool to Halifax. When war came, like so many men across the Empire John volunteered, joining the 58th Canadian Battalion in 1915 forming part of the 3rd Division of the Canadian Army which arrived in France the following year.

John Rix came into the line in August 1916 and was one of the hundred or so men who died every day away from the major battles. The Battalion War Dairy has the following entry for 19th August : -

Rain, N.W. wind, cool. Quiet all morning. At 9.45 am. Enemy blew a small camouflet and destroyed the face of Sap "C" causing casualties to tunnelling Coy. Tunnellers report sound and suspect camouflet work continues. "B" Coy ordered to stand to. Bombing and consolidating parties detailed in readiness. Enemy bombarded our front line and supports with trench mortars. At 2.20 pm. Artillery effectively retaliated. Quiet at night. Casualties I OR (other ranks) killed, 6 OR wounded, 1 OR shell shock.

Private John Browne Rix was that 1 OR who died and is commemorated at the Westoutre British Cemetery in Belgium.